'No, the news is all good out of Buffalo, said commissioner Bettman. Five groups, each one more interested than the other, are anxious to buy in Buffalo and operate in a decent but decaying city, home of a team playing in a new oversized arena before a dwindling fan base.'

'"The Sabres are running off the same exact budget and projections and assumptions they put together before all of this happened. . . . This club will run into the season whether or not new ownership is in place by September or October or November. This club will run as its fans expect it to."'

'The NHL's decision to adopt the Bandits makes sound economic sense since many of the Sabres' sponsorship deals include both the hockey and lacrosse teams. "The hockey team has the rights to run the building, and the hockey team owns the Bandits," Bettman said. "So that package is there."'

'Bettman didn't identify potential ownership groups. He said the Sabres would remain in Buffalo, where they began as an expansion team in 1970. "We're not talking to anybody who doesn't want to keep the team in Buffalo," said Bettman, adding that there's no timetable for the sale to be completed.'

'"Despite having opportunities elsewhere, we are very proud that James has chosen to remain with the Buffalo Sabres and stay in our community," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "James has proven to be an important contributor to our hockey team over the past four seasons. He has provided us with depth and veteran leadership and will be a valuable presence to our younger players."'

'Five groups are interested in buying the NHL's Sabres and keeping them in Buffalo, commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday, a day after the team's outgoing owner was arrested on fraud charges. Bettman, who did not identify the potential ownership groups, said it was "purely a coincidence" that he was in Buffalo 24 hours after John Rigas and two sons were arrested in connection with the financial meltdown of Adelphia Communications.'

'League and team officials have suggested that fans buying season tickets can help strengthen Buffalo's hold on the Sabres in two ways: by helping the team's bottom line and by sending a strong signal to potential investors that the region can support an NHL team.'